Staff pitch in to help local community projects

London Stansted staff were out and about in February, giving their time to support community groups, charities and education centres across the local area.

Despite the cold and wet weather, teams rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into a wide range of projects, from tidying woodlands and sorting donations at a foodbank, to helping spruce up the garden at a local study centre.

One group spent two days at Hatfield Forest with the National Trust, clearing and burning leftover branches.

Ranger Kimberley Goodall from the National Trust said:

"It was great to have the extra helping hands of the Stansted Airport team join us for a couple of days volunteering. They were a big help and it was great to share some of our conservation work and the beauty of the Forest with them."

Curtis Walsh from the airport’s training team said it was really nice to get out of the usual airport environment and do something hands‑on that supports a local community project. He said: 

“It was tough work but brilliant. You could see the results straight away, and it was a great team‑building experience.” 

Another team, led by Mike Hardaker, Chief Asset and Development Director, headed over to Gorsefield Rural Studies Centre to help tidy up the garden. 

Even though it poured with rain, they worked hard to get everything ready for spring. 

Head of Centre Liz Franklin said: 

“The weather was pretty wet but the volunteers did a great job. Their work means pupils will have a much better space to learn in when they return.”  

Meanwhile, the Customer Operations team spent time at Harlow Foodbank after a busy Christmas period, helping to sort and pack food donations. 

All this work is part of London Stansted’s wider community programme, which supports local groups through hands‑on help, donations and education projects. 

Any local organisation looking for support can get in touch at community@stanstedairport.com.